Vintage furniture is both functional and decorative, and it forms a tangible link to the past. This lavishly illustrated guide begins with an appreciation of beautiful furnishings, analyzing the techniques and materials used to make exceptional works of art for our living spaces. Twenty great "golden ages" of the art form are profiled, including the French Rococo, the Ming and Ch'ing dynasties, the court of Catherine the Great, Biedermeier, Shaker, and Art Deco, providing historical information and identifying the most significant designers of the era. Supplementary materials include advice on how to buy, commission, and preserve world-class furnishings.